Electronic length measuring device

ABSTRACT

An improved electronic measuring device has a compact design, is easy to operate, and uses menu-driven logic to minimize the requirement for buttons and/or switches to take, store, recall, and/or manipulate measurements.

This application is a regular filed application of and claims, for the purposes of priority, the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/590,040, entitled “Electronic Length Measuring Device,” which was filed on Jul. 21, 2004, which is owned by the assignee of this application, and which this application hereby expressly incorporates by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to measuring devices, such as measuring tapes, and more specifically to electronic measuring devices.

BACKGROUND

Electronic tape measures, such as sonic tape measures, have been developed to simplify the task of measuring distances, for example, for estimating the size of a room, without having to physically stretch a tape measure across the distance being measured.

With advancements in electronics, it is possible to provide many functions, such as calculations for area and volume, into a sonic tape measure. However, with many functions often comes a need for many buttons for an end user to select a desired function. This adds complexity and cost to the device, and may make it cumbersome to operate.

In addition, hand-held device such as sonic tape measures, stud finders, and laser levels, often have a desirable feature of a belt clip for hanging the device from a belt. However, the belt clip often provides an uneven surface that may not be desirable from a utilitarian standpoint, such as when it is desirable to have the device sit level on a surface such as a table for making measurements, or to take up a minimal amount of space in a storage container such as a tool box or drawer. In addition, the belt clip may interfere with the operation of electronic handheld devices, such as those that include buttons and/or switches, especially when it is necessary to have a large number of buttons and/or switches for operation of an electronic handheld device. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved sonic tape measure that is easier for an end user to operate.

SUMMARY

An improved electronic measuring device is disclosed which has a compact design, that is easy to operate, and that uses menu-driven logic to minimize the requirement for buttons and/or switches to take, store, recall, and manipulate measurements.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an electronic measuring device include a transceiver device, a microprocessor operatively connected to the transceiver device, as well as a memory, an electronic output device, and a plurality of input mechanisms, all of which are operatively connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor may be programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to take and manipulate measurements using a menu-driven procedure by using the input mechanisms to select and activate desired operations.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the input mechanisms include a read button, at least one scroll button, and a menu/select button. The read button may be a combined power/read button.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the microprocessor may be programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to take distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations. The input mechanisms may also include a +/= button.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a method of taking a measurement using an electronic measuring device is provided. The electronic measuring device includes a read button, at least one scroll button, and a menu/select button as input mechanisms that are operatively connected to a microprocessor that is also operatively connected to a display device. The method includes pressing the menu/select button, pressing the scroll button until an indication is provided on the display device corresponding to a desired measurement to be taken, and pressing the read button.

Other features and advantages of the disclosed devices and methods will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description provided below which is made with reference to the attached drawings provided in illustration of one preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a measuring device in accordance with this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the upper end of the measuring device;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the left side of the measuring device;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the right side of the measuring device;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the lower end of the measuring device;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the rear side of the measuring device;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a display screen of the measuring device;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the measuring device, showing a retractable belt clip member in a deployed configuration;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the measuring device, showing the retractable belt clip member in a stowed configuration;

FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view, taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 1, of a deployment and retraction mechanism for the retractable belt clip member; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5, of the deployment and retraction mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference initially to FIG. 1, an electronic tape measure 20 includes a microprocessor 21. Operatively connected to the microprocessor may be a memory 23, an electronic display 22, and input mechanisms in the form of a power/read button 24, a first scroll button 26, a second scroll button 28, a select button 30, an addition or +/= button 32, and a clear/reset button 34. The electronic tape measure 20 may also include a retractable belt clip member 36.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic tape measure 20 may include a sonic transceiver device 38 and a laser pointer device 40, both of which may be operatively connected to the microprocessor 21. The sonic transceiver device 38 may be adapted to use a sound signal (such as, for example, an ultrasonic signal) to measure a distance from the electronic tape measure 20 to a surface, such as a wall or ceiling of a room. The laser pointer device 40 assists the end user of the electronic tape measure 20 by providing an indication of a specific location at which a measurement is being taken, for example, a location on a wall or ceiling surface.

With reference again to FIG. 1, the electronic display 22 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen 42 that has a function indication region 44, that in FIG. 1 displays a “V” to indicate the electronic tape measure 20 is in a volume measurement mode. The LCD screen 42 may also include a graphical icon display 46 that may indicate, for example, which measurement is to be taken by the electronic tape measure 20 when the read button is depressed. For example, a height segment “H,” a length segment “L,” or a width segment “W,” may flash on the graphical icon display 46 to indicate the respective dimension to be measured when the read button 24 is depressed. The LCD screen 42 may also include an upper numeric display region 48, that may be used to indicate a distance measured by the electronic tape measure 20. A unit indication region 50 may be provided on the LCD screen 42, for example, to indicate units of measures such as feet, meters, inches, or centimeters. The LCD screen 42 may also include a lower numeric display region 52, and a parameter region 54 that may be used to indicate that a calculated area or volume of a room being measured by the electronic tape measure 20 is being shown on the lower numeric display region 52.

As shown in the side views of FIGS. 3 and 4, the electronic tape measure 20 may further include left and right ribbed side grip panels 56 and 58, respectively, a front housing portion 57, and a rear housing portion 59. As shown in FIG. 5, the retractable belt clip member 36 may include ribbed base surface 60, to facilitate deployment and retraction of the retractable belt clip member 36 by sliding the ribbed base surface 60 along the line of the directional arrow 62 shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic tape measure 20 may include a battery lid 64, and an instructional label 66 on the rear of the electronic tape measure 20.

With reference to FIG. 7, the LCD screen 42 is shown with an example of all possible display indications shown at one time (of course all such display indications would not be shown at the same time during normal use of the electronic tape measure 20). As shown in FIG. 7, the function display region 44 may include “L” for length, “A” for area, “V” for volume, “U” for selecting units, “M^(S)” for storing a measurement in memory, “M^(R)” for recalling a measurement from memory, numeric indications 1-5 to indicate five different memory locations, as well as a battery status indicator. The unit display region 50 shown in FIG. 7 uses “IN” for inches, “FT” for feet, “YDS” for yards, “M” for meters, and “CM” for centimeters. The parameter display region 54 may show “SQ” for measuring area, (i.e., square feet or square meters) or “CU” for measuring volume (i.e., cubic feet or cubic meters). The graphic icon display region 46 may include a “+” to indicate that a measurement is being added, for example, to calculate a total square footage of multiple rooms in a dwelling.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the retractable belt clip member 36 in a deployed configuration, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the retractable belt clip member 36 in a stowed configuration.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views showing further detail of structure providing the mechanism for deployment and retraction of the retractable belt clip member 36.

As seen in FIG. 10, the belt clip member 36 includes two bosses 68 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 10) that each include a blind hole 70. The front housing portion 57 includes a pair of openings 72 through which each of the bosses 70 pass. A threaded fastener 74 is threadably secured to each of the blind bores 70, and includes a fastener head 76 that prevents the retractable belt clip member 36 from being completely removed from attachment to the front housing portion 57. A detent protrusion 78 may be provided on the retractable belt clip member 36, such that it mates with a corresponding deployed detent dimple 80 formed in the front housing portion 57 when the belt clip member 36 is in a deployed configuration, and that mates with a stowed detent dimple 82 also formed in the front housing portion 57, when the belt clip member 36 is in a stowed configuration. Also, as seen in FIG. 8, guide slots 84 may be formed in the belt clip member 36, to ensure that it will move from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration and vice versa in a linear fashion and also to stabilize the belt clip member 36 in a proper position with respect to the front housing portion 57 and the rear housing portion 59.

The front and rear housing portions 57 and 59 may be made from any suitable material, such as ABS plastic, and the retractable belt clip member and side grip panels 56 and 58 may also be made from any suitable material, such as ABS plastic. The buttons 24-34 may be made from any suitable material such as a TPR rubber material.

As shown in Table I below, to turn the electronic tape measure 20 on the end user may simply press and release the power/read button 24. TABLE I TO TURN TOOL ON Step Number Button Result Display 1 Press Unit will power up where Upper Numeric POWER/ it was just before it Display Region 48: READ button powered down. Display Same as shutdown 24 and should be the same as it Lower Numeric release. was prior to shutdown. Display Region 52: Same as shutdown Periphery: Same as shutdown

It should be noted that any software, hardware, firmware, and/or combination thereof used to implement the programming logic described herein is well within the capabilities of one of ordinary skill in the art to program, and may be stored in any computer readable memory such as on a magnetic disk, a laser disk, or other storage medium, in a RAM or ROM of a computer or processor, etc. Likewise, this programming logic may be delivered to a user, a device, or an operator workstation using any known or desired delivery method including, for example, on a computer readable disk or other transportable computer storage mechanism or over a communication channel such as a telephone line, the Internet, the World Wide Web, any other wired or wireless local area network or wide area network, etc. (which delivery is viewed as being the same as or interchangeable with providing such software via a transportable storage medium). Furthermore, this programming logic may be provided directly without modulation or encryption or may be modulated and/or encrypted using any suitable modulation carrier wave and/or encryption technique before being transmitted over a communication channel.

Table II sets forth the logic that may be programmed into the microprocessor 21 and a procedure that may be used to facilitate measuring a length by using the electronic tape measure 20. TABLE II TO MEASURE A LENGTH Step Number Button Result Display 1 Press Menu options will pop up Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT with the mode you are Display Region 48: button 30. currently in flashing. The Whatever was in current mode should be display before the either Length, Area, or MENU/SELECT Volume. button 30 was pushed. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the current mode flashing. 2 Repeatedly press Menu options will Upper Numeric SCROLL (L or R) continue to be displayed Display Region 48: button 26 or 28 until on the screen and each Whatever was in the Length Icon is time the SCROLL (L or R) display before the flashing. button 26 or 28 is pushed, MENU/SELECT the flashing will move to button 30 was pushed. the next Icon in line. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the Length mode flashing. 3 Press Menu choice of measuring Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT lengths has been selected. Display Region 48: button 30. A value of zero and the current units of measure. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Nothing Periphery: The L with line Icon should appear on the screen and be flashing. 4 Press READ button Measurement will be Upper Numeric 24 and obtain first displayed on Upper Display Region 48: measurement. Numeric Display Region XXXX″, XX′XX″, 48 of display. XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, or XX.XX m Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Nothing Periphery: The L with line Icon should appear on the screen and be flashing. 5 Pressing READ Pressing this button Upper Numeric button 24. generates a new Display Region 48: measurement. XXXX″, XX′XX″, XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, or XX.XX m Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Nothing Periphery: The L with line Icon should appear on the screen and be flashing.

If length is above 600″, 50′, 16.7 yds, 1524 cm, 15.24 m, “Err” should appear in the display.

If length is less than 22″, 1′ 10″, 0.61 yds, 56 cm, 0.56 m, “Err” should appear on the display.

Pressing the Clear/Reset button 34 will zero the screen.

Table III sets forth logic that may be programmed into the microprocessor 21 and a procedure that may be used to add length measurements using the electronic tape measure 20. TABLE III TO ADD LENGTH MEASUREMENTS Step Number Button Result Display 1 Press Menu options will pop up Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT with the mode you are Display Region 48: button 30. currently in flashing. Whatever was in Should be Length, Area, display before the or Volume. MENU/SELECT button was pushed. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the current mode flashing. 2 Repeatedly press Menu options will Upper Numeric SCROLL (L or R) continue to be displayed Display Region 48: button 26 or 28 until on the screen and each Whatever was on the the Length Icon is time the SCROLL (L or R) screen before the flashing. button 26 or 28 is pushed, MENU/SELECT the flashing indication will button 30 was pushed. move to the next Icon in Lower Numeric line. Display Region 52: Whatever was on the screen before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve will be visible with the Length mode flashing. 3 Press Menu choice of measuring Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT lengths has been selected. Display Region 48: button 30. A value of zero and the current units of measure. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Nothing Periphery: The Length Icon should appear on the screen and be flashing. 4 Press READ button Measurement will be Upper Numeric 24 and obtain first displayed on Upper Display Region 48: measurement. If Numeric Display Region XXXX″, XX′XX″, measurement is not 48 of display. XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, correct user may or XX.XX m, push Lower Numeric CLEAR/RESET Display Region 52: button 34 to clear Nothing line. Periphery: The L with line Icon should appear on the screen and be flashing. 5 Press +/= button 32. Measurement continues to Upper Numeric show on Upper Numeric Display Region 48: Display Region 48 of XXXX″, XX′XX″, display along with a plus XX.XX yds, XX.XX m, sign (+). Measurement is or XXXX cm also displayed on Lower Lower Numeric Numeric Display Region Display Region 52: 52. XXXX″, XX′XX″, XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, or XX.XX m Periphery: The L with line (Length Icon) should appear on the screen and be flashing. There will be a plus sign (+). 6 Press READ button Second measurement will Upper Numeric 24 and obtain appear on Upper Numeric Display Region 48: second Display Region 48 of XXXX″, XX′XX″, measurement. If display along with a plus XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, measurement is not sign (+) but there will be or XX.XX m correct the READ no value on the Lower Lower Numeric button 24 could be Numeric Display Region Display Region 52: pushed again. 52. Nothing Periphery: The L with line Icon should appear on the screen and be flashing. There will be a plus sign (+). 7 Press +/= button 32. Second measured value Upper Numeric continues to appear on Display Region 48: Upper Numeric Display XXXX″, XX′XX″, Region 48. Sum total of XX.XX yds, first and second XXXX cm, or measurements will show XX.XX m up on Lower Numeric Lower Numeric Display Region 52. Display Region 52: XXXX″, XX′XX″, XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, or XX.XX m Periphery: The L with line Icon should appear on the screen but not be flashing. 8 Press +/= button 32. Pressing the +/= button 32 Upper Numeric again will prepare the unit Display Region 48: to add another length. The XXXX″, XX′XX″, Upper Numeric Display XX.XX yds, Region 48 will display the XXXX cm, or last measured value, the XX.XX m Lower Numeric Display Lower Numeric Region 52 will display the Display Region 52: last calculated result. XXXX″, XX′XX″, XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, or XX.XX m Periphery: The L with line Icon should appear on the screen and be flashing. There will be a plus sign (+). 9 Press READ 24 Third measurement will Upper Numeric button and obtain appear on Upper Numeric Display Region 48: third measurement. Display Region 48 of XXXX″, XX′XX″, If measurement is display along with a plus XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, not correct the sign (+) but there will be or XX.XX m READ button 24 no value on the Lower Lower Numeric could be pushed Numeric Display Region Display Region 52: again. 52. Nothing Periphery: The L with line Icon should appear on the screen and be flashing. There will be a plus sign (+). 10 Press +/= button 32. Third measured value Upper Numeric continues to appear on Display Region 48: Upper Numeric Display XXXX″, XX′XX″, Region 48. Sum total of XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, first, second, and third or XX.XX m measurements will show Lower Numeric up on Lower Numeric Display Region 52. Display Region 52: XXXX″, XX′XX″, XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, or XX.XX m Periphery: The L with line Icon should appear on the screen but not be flashing. *To add additional length measurements repeat steps #8, #9, and #10. To clear sum total, press CLEAR/RESET button 34.

Table IV sets forth the programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to determine an area measurement using the electronic tape measure 20. TABLE IV TO DETERMINE AREA Step Number Button Result Display 1 Press Menu options will pop up Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT with the mode you are Display Region 48: button 30. currently in flashing. Whatever was in Should be either Length, display before the Area, or Volume. MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the current mode flashing. 2 Repeatedly press Menu options will Upper Numeric SCROLL (L or R) continue to be displayed Display Region 48: button 26 or 28 until on the screen and each Whatever was on the the Area Icon is time the SCROLL (L or R) screen before the flashing. button 26 or 28 is pushed, MENU/SELECT the flashing indication will button 30 was pushed. move to the next Icon in Lower Numeric line. Display Region 52: Whatever was on the screen before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve will be visible with the area mode flashing. 3 Press Menu choice of measuring Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT areas has been selected. Display Region 48: button 30. A value of zero and the current units of measure Lower Numeric Display Region 52: ------ and sq Periphery: The LW Icon should appear on the screen with the L with line portion flashing. 4 Press READ button Measurement will be Upper Numeric 24 and obtain first displayed on Upper Display Region 48: measurement. If Numeric Display Region XXXX″, XX′XX″, measurement is not 48 of display. XX.XX yds, correct press XXXX cm, or CLEAR/RESET XX.XX m button 34 to start Lower Numeric measuring routine Display Region 52: over again ------ and sq (beginning of step Periphery: 4). The LW with line Icon should be on the screen with the W with line portion flashing. 5 Press READ button Second measurement will Upper Numeric 24 and obtain appear on Upper Numeric Display Region 48: second Display Region 48 of XXXX″, XX′XX″, measurement. If display. Area calculation XX.XX yds, measurement is not will appear on the Lower XXXX cm, or correct press Numeric Display Region XX.XX m CLEAR/RESET 52. Lower Numeric button 34 to start Display Region 52: measuring routine XXXX sq over again Periphery: (beginning of step The LW with line Icon 4). should be on the screen with nothing flashing. 6 Press Screen will clear any read Upper Numeric CLEAR/RESET or calculated values. Display Region 48: button 34 to start A value of zero and the measuring routine current units of over again measure (beginning of step Lower Numeric 4). Display Region 52: ------ and sq Periphery: The LW Icon should appear on the screen with the L with line portion flashing.

End users may see what values were measured when determining area by pressing the READ button 24 after an area has been calculated. The LCD screen 42 will show first measurement on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the L with line Icon flashing, by pressing the READ button 24 again the second measurement will be displayed on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the W with line Icon flashing. Pressing the READ button 24 again will get the user back to the first measurement.

Table V sets forth programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to add area measurements using the electronic tape measure 20. TABLE V TO ADD AREA MEASUREMENTS This function is a continuation of the “TO DETERMINE AREA” function. User would still be in the Area mode with a calculated area displayed on the Lower Numeric Display Region 52 of the LCD screen 42. Step Number Button Result Display 1 Press the +/= button This button should be Upper Numeric 32 (add another pressed only after a value Display Region 48: area). for area is registered on Whatever was in the Lower Numeric display before the Display Region 52 of the MENU/SELECT display. This function will button 30 was pushed. allow the user to calculate Lower Numeric another area and add it to Display Region 52: the previous value. Upper Whatever was in Numeric Display Region display before the 48 will show nothing and MENU/SELECT Lower Numeric Display button 30 was pushed. Region 52 will show the Periphery: current area value. The LW Icon should appear on the screen with the L with line portion flashing. A plus sign (+) will appear on the screen 2 Press READ button Measurement will be Upper Numeric 24 and obtain first displayed on Upper Display Region 48: measurement. If Numeric Display Region XXXX″, XX′XX″, measurement is not 48 of display. XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, correct press or XX.XX m CLEAR/RESET Lower Numeric button 34 to start Display Region 52: measuring routine Nothing over again (end of Periphery: step 1). The LW Icon should be on the screen with the W with line flashing. A plus sign (+) will appear on the screen 3 Press READ button Second measurement will Upper Numeric 24 and obtain appear on Upper Numeric Display Region 48: second Display Region 48 of XXXX″, XX′XX″, measurement. If display. Area calculation XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, measurement is not will appear on the Lower or XX.XX m correct press Numeric Display Region Lower Numeric CLEAR/RESET 52. Display Region 52: button 34 to start XXXX sq measuring routine Periphery: over again (end of The LW Icon should be step 1). on the screen with nothing flashing. A plus sign (+) will appear on the screen 4 Press +/= button 32. Upper Numeric Display Upper Numeric Region 48 of display will Display Region 48: show the last measured XXXX″, XX′XX″, length from step #3 above. XX.XX yds, Tool will calculate the XXXX cm, or sum of the area previously XX.XX m on the Lower Numeric Lower Numeric Display Region 52 of the Display Region 52: LCD and the new area just XXXX sq obtained. This new value Periphery: will be displayed on the The LW Icon should be Lower Numeric Display on the screen with Region 52. nothing flashing. 5 Press +/= button 32. Pressing this button will Upper Numeric let the end user add Display Region 48: another area. A value of zero and the current units of measure Lower Numeric Display Region 52: XXXX sq Periphery: The LW Icon should appear on the screen with the L with line portion flashing. A plus sign (+) will appear on the screen

End users may see what values were measured when determining last area by pressing the READ button 24 after an area has been calculated. Display will show first measurement on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with L with line Icon flashing, by pressing the READ button 24 again the second measurement will be displayed on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the W with line flashing. Pressing the READ button 24 again will get the user back to the first measurement.

Table VI sets forth the programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to determine volume using the electronic tape measure 20. TABLE VI TO DETERMINE VOLUME Step Number Button Result Display 1 Press Menu options will pop up Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT with the mode you are Display Region 48: button 30. currently in flashing. Whatever was in Should be either Length, display before the Area, or Volume. MENU/SELECT button was pushed. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the current mode flashing. 2 Repeatedly press Menu options will Upper Numeric SCROLL (L or R) continue to be displayed Display Region 48: button 26 or 28 until on the screen and each Whatever was in the Volume Icon is time the SCROLL (L or R) display before the flashing. button is pushed, the MENU/SELECT flashing will move to the button 30 was pushed. next Icon in line. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the Area mode flashing. 3 Press Menu choice of measuring Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT volumes has been selected. Display Region 48: button 30. A value of zero and the current units of measure Lower Numeric Display Region 52: ------ and cu Periphery: The LWH Icon should appear on the screen with the L with line portion flashing. 4 Press READ button Measurement will be Upper Numeric 24 and obtain first displayed on Upper Display Region 48: measurement. If Numeric Display Region XXXX″, XX′XX″, measurement is not 48 of display. XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, correct press or XX.XX m CLEAR/RESET Lower Numeric button 34 to start Display Region 52: volume measuring ------ and cu routine over again Periphery: (beginning of step The LWH Icon should 4). be on the screen with the W with line flashing. 5 Press READ button Second measurement will Upper Numeric 24 and obtain appear on Upper Numeric Display Region 48: second Display Region 48 of XXXX″, XX′XX″, measurement. If display. Nothing will XX.XX yds, measurement is not appear on the Lower XXXX cm, or correct press Numeric Display Region XX.XX m CLEAR/RESET 52. Lower Numeric button 34 to start Display Region 52: volume measuring ------ and cu routine over again Periphery: (beginning of step The LWH Icon should 4). be on the screen with the H with line flashing. 6 Press READ button Third measurement will Upper Numeric 24 and obtain third appear on Upper Numeric Display Region 48: measurement. If Display Region 48 of XXXX″, XX′XX″, measurement is not display. Calculated XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, correct press volume will appear on the or XX.XX m CLEAR/RESET Lower Numeric Display Lower Numeric button 34 to start Region 52 of the display. Display Region 52: volume measuring XXXX cu routine over again Periphery: (beginning of step The LWH Icon should 4). be on the screen with nothing flashing. 7 Press Screen will clear any read Upper Numeric CLEAR/RESET or calculated values. Display Region 48: button 34 to start A value of zero and the measuring routine current units of over again measure (beginning of step Lower Numeric 4). Display Region 52: ------ and cu Periphery: The LWH Icon should appear on the screen with the L with line portion flashing.

End users may see what values were measured when determining volume by pressing the READ button 24 after the volume has been calculated. Display will show first measurement on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with L with line Icon flashing, by pressing the READ button 24 again the second measurement will be displayed on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the W with line flashing, by pressing the READ button 24 again the third measurement will be displayed on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the H with line flashing. Pressing the READ button 24 again will get the user back to the first measurement with the L with line Icon flashing.

Table VII sets forth the programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to add volume measurement using the electronic tape measure 20. TABLE VII TO ADD VOLUME MEASUREMENTS This function is a continuation of the “TO DETERMINE VOLUME” calculation function. User would still be in the Volume mode with a calculated volume displayed on the Lower Numeric Display Region 52 of the LCD screen 42. Step Number Button Result Display 1 Press the +/= button This button should be Upper Numeric 32 (add another pressed only after a value Display Region 48: volume). for volume is registered on The last measurement the Lower Numeric shown on the screen Display Region 52 of the will remain. display. This function will Lower Numeric allow the user to calculate Display Region 52: another volume and add it XXXX cu to the previous value. Periphery: Lower Numeric Display The LWH Icon should Region 52 will show the appear on the screen current volume value. with the L with line portion flashing. A plus sign (+) will appear on the screen. 2 Press READ button Measurement will be Upper Numeric 24 and obtain first displayed on Upper Display Region 48: measurement. If Numeric Display Region XXXX″, XX′XX″, measurement is not 48 of display. This will be XX.XX yds, correct press the length value just XXXX cm, or CLEAR/RESET measured. XX.XX m button 34 to start Lower Numeric measuring routine Display Region 52: over again (end of ------ and cu step 1). Periphery: The LWH Icon should be on the screen with the W with line flashing. The plus sign (+) will stay lighted on the screen. 3 Press READ button Second measurement will Upper Numeric 24 and obtain appear on Upper Numeric Display Region 48: second Display Region 48 of XXXX″, XX′XX″, measurement. If display. This will be the XX.XX yds, measurement is not width value just measured. XXXX cm, or correct press XX.XX m CLEAR/RESET Lower Numeric button 34 to start Display Region 52: measuring routine ------ and cu over again (end of Periphery: step 1). The LWH Icon should be on the screen with the H with line flashing. The plus sign (+) will stay lighted on the screen. 4 Press READ button Third measurement will Upper Numeric 24 and obtain third appear on Upper Numeric Display Region 48: measurement. If Display Region 48 of XXXX″, XX′XX″, measurement is not display. Volume XX.XX yds, correct press calculation will appear on XXXX cm, or CLEAR/RESET the Lower Numeric XX.XX m button 34 to start Display Region 52. Lower Numeric measuring routine Display Region 52: over again (end of XXXX cu step 1). Periphery: The LWH Icon should be on the screen with nothing flashing. The plus sign (+) will stay lighted on the screen. 5 Press +/= button 32. Upper Numeric Display Upper Numeric Region 48 of display will Display Region 48: show the last measured XXXX″, XX′XX″, length from step #4 above. XX.XX yds, Tool will calculate the XXXX cm, or sum of the volume XX.XX m previously on the Lower Lower Numeric Numeric Display Region Display Region 52: 52 of the LCD and the XXXX cu new volume just obtained. Periphery: This new value will be The LWH Icon should displayed on the Lower be on the screen with Numeric Display Region nothing flashing. 52. The plus sign (+) will go off. 6 Press +/= button 32. Pressing this button will See line 1 above let the end user add another volume.

End users may see what values were measured when determining a volume by pressing the READ button 24 after the volume has been calculated. Display will show first measurement on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with L with line Icon flashing, by pressing the READ button 24 again the second measurement will be displayed on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the W with line flashing, by pressing the READ button 24 again the third measurement will be displayed on the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 with the H with line flashing. Pressing the READ button 24 again will get the user back to the first measurement with the L with line Icon flashing.

Table VIII sets forth the programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to change units of measure when using the electronic tape measure 20. TABLE VIII TO CHANGE UNITS OF MEASURE Step Number Button Result Display 1 Press Menu options will pop up Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT with the mode you are Display Region 48: button 30. currently in flashing. Whatever was in Should be either Length, display before the Area, or Volume MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the current mode flashing. 2 Repeatedly press Menu options will Upper Numeric SCROLL (L or R) continue to be displayed Display Region 48: button 26 or 28 until on the screen and each Whatever was in the Units Icon is time the SCROLL (L or R) display before the flashing. button 26 or 28 is pushed, MENU/SELECT the highlighting will move button 30 was pushed. to the next Icon in line. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the Units mode flashing. 3 Press Menu choice of changing Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT units has been selected. Display Region 48: button 30. Should show the same value that was on the screen before getting into this menu driven mode to change units. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Should show the same value that was on the screen before getting into this menu driven mode to change units. Periphery: The Units Icon will be flashing; all other Icons will be off. The units of measure will show up on the screen (in, ft, yds, cm, m) with the current units of measure flashing. 4 Press SCROLL (L The units of measure will Upper Numeric or R) button 26 or change to the next type in Display Region 48: 28 until the units line. Sequence will be in, Value and units from desired show up on ft, yds, cm and m. User previous step will the screen. may keep pressing change to converted SCROLL (L or R) button value and units of 26 or 28 until the desired measure. Units of measure are Lower Numeric displayed. Display Region 52: If there was a value on this line, value and units from previous step will change to converted value and units of measure. Periphery: The Units Icon will be flashing; all other Icons will be off. The units of measure will be illuminated (in, ft, yds, cm, m) with the desired unit of measure flashing. 5 Press Tool will now display all Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT measurements based upon Display Region 48: button 30. the Unit type selected. Same as previous step Unit will kick out of menu Lower Numeric mode and back to Length, Display Region 52: Area or Volume mode. Same as previous step Periphery: Unit Icon will turn off. *If an end user comes into menu mode from measuring lengths, the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 and possibly Lower Numeric Display Region 52 may continue to show the measurements once the MENU/SELECT button 30 is pressed. If the menu option is then changed to Area, Volume, or Memory Retrieve, nothing may be displayed on the UPPER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 48 or Lower Numeric Display Region 52. The UPPER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 48 and possibly # LOWER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 52 values may be displayed in the Length, Units, and Memory Store modes.

If an end user comes into menu mode from measuring areas, the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 and possibly Lower Numeric Display Region 52 may continue to show the measurements once the MENU/SELECT button 30 is pressed. If the menu option is then changed to Length, Volume, or Memory Retrieve, nothing may be displayed on the UPPER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 48 or Lower Numeric Display Region 52. The UPPER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 48 and possibly LOWER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 52 values may be displayed in the Area, Units, and Memory Store modes.

If an end user comes into menu mode from measuring Volumes, the Upper Numeric Display Region 48 and possibly Lower Numeric Display Region 52 may continue to show the measurements once the MENU/SELECT button 30 is pressed. If the menu option is then changed to Length, Area, or Memory Retrieve, nothing may be displayed on the UPPER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 48 or Lower Numeric Display Region 52. The UPPER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 48 and possibly LOWER NUMERIC DISPLAY REGION 52 values may be displayed in the Volume, Units, and Memory Store modes.

Table IX sets forth the programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to save a value in memory on the electronic tape measure 20. TABLE IX TO SAVE VALUE IN MEMORY Step Number Button Result Display 1 Press Menu options will pop up Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT with the mode you are Display Region 48: button 30. currently in flashing. Whatever was in Should be either Length, display before the Area, or Volume. MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the current mode flashing. 2 Repeatedly press Menu options will Upper Numeric SCROLL (L or R) continue to be displayed Display Region 48: button 26 or 28 until on the screen and each Whatever was in the Memory Store time the SCROLL (L or R) display before the Icon is flashing. button 26 or 28 is pushed, MENU/SELECT the highlighting will move button 30 was pushed. to the next Icon in line. Lower Numeric User may continue to Display Region 52: toggle through the choices Whatever was in until reaching the Memory display before the Store Icon. MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve will be visible with the Memory Store mode flashing. 3 Press Menu choice of Memory Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT Storage has been selected. Display Region 48: button 30. Once the user has selected Nothing that they want to go to Lower Numeric Memory Storage, they Display Region 52: need to determine what The value that is to be memory location they stored. want to save their value in. Periphery: There are five locations Icon for Memory Store (1-5). The tool will default and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 will be to the first memory highlighted. The 1 will location by flashing the 1. be flashing. The user may then accept this location by pressing the MENU/SELECT button 30 or scroll to another of the memory locations by pushing the SCROLL (L or R) button 26 or 28. 4 Press the SCROLL This will allow the user to Upper Numeric (L or R) button 26 choose a different memory Display Region 48: or 28. location. By continuing to Nothing push the SCROLL (L or Lower Numeric R) button 26 or 28, the Display Region 52: unit will scroll through the The value that is to be five different memory stored. locations. Periphery: Icon for Memory Store and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 will be highlighted. The current memory location will be flashing. 5 Press the This will store the value in Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT the memory location. Display Region 48: button 30. Pressing this key will also The display will look put the user back in the like it did before the Length, Area or Volume MENU/SELECT mode, whatever the mode button 30 was pushed. was before the Memory Lower Numeric Storage routine was Display Region 52: started. The display will look like it did before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: The display will look like it did before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed.

Table X sets forth programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to retrieve a value in memory on the electronic tape measure 20. TABLE X TO VIEW VALUE IN MEMORY (MEMORY RECALL MODE) Memory locations may be cleared only when in Memory Recall mode. Once in Memory Recall mode, the user may hold the CLEAR/RESET button 34 in for 2 seconds and all the values in memory will be cleared. Step Number Button Result Display 1 Press Menu options will pop up Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT with the mode you are Display Region 48: button 30. currently in flashing. At Whatever was in this point the current mode display before the should be either Length, MENU/SELECT Area, or Volume button 30 was pushed. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the current mode flashing. 2 Repeatedly press Menu options will Upper Numeric SCROLL (L or R) continue to be displayed Display Region 48: button 26 or 28 until on the screen and each Whatever was in the Memory time the SCROLL (L or R) display before the Retrieve Icon is button 26 or 28 is pushed, MENU/SELECT flashing. the highlighting will move button 30 was pushed. to the next Icon in line. Lower Numeric User may continue to Display Region 52: toggle through the choices Whatever was in until reaching the Memory display before the Retrieve Icon. MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the Memory Retrieve Icon flashing. 3 Press Menu choice of Memory Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT Retrieve has been selected. Display Region 48: button 30. Once the user has selected Nothing that they want to go to Lower Numeric memory retrieve, they Display Region 52: need to determine what The display shows the memory location they value stored in the want to retrieve their value memory location that is from. There are five flashing. locations (1-5). The tool Periphery: will default to the first Icon for Memory occupied memory location Retrieve and any by flashing the memory memory locations (1, 2, location number and the 3, 4, 5) that have a corresponding value value will be displayed on the Lower highlighted. The lowest Numeric Display Region numbered memory 52. location will be flashing when the user first enters this mode. 4 Press the This will take the end user Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT back to the mode he/she Display Region 48: button 30. was in before they got into Whatever was in the Memory Recall mode. display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed.

Table XI sets forth the programmed logic and a procedure that may be used to add a memory value to a length, area, or volume measurement using the electronic tape measure 20. TABLE XI TO ADD A MEMORY VALUE TO A LENGTH, AREA, OR VOLUME Obviously, one cannot add a length to an area or volume, nor can one add an area to a volume. As noted above, memory locations may be cleared only when in Memory Recall mode. Once in Memory Recall mode, the user may hold the CLEAR/RESET button 34 in for 2 seconds and all the values in memory will be cleared. Step Number Button Result Display 1 Press the +/= button This button may be pushed Upper Numeric 32. once there is a value in the Display Region 48: tool for length, area or XXXX″, XX′XX″, volume. Measurement XX.XX yds, XXXX cm, continues to show on or XX.XX m Upper Numeric Display Lower Numeric Region 48 of display along Display Region 52: with a plus sign (+). XXXX″, XX′XX″, Measurement is also XX.XX yds, displayed on Lower XX.XX cm, or Numeric Display Region XX.XX m 52. Periphery: Some form of the LWH icon should be on the screen. There will be a plus sign (+). 2 Press Menu options will pop up Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT with the mode you are Display Region 48: button 30. currently in flashing. At Whatever was in this point the current mode display before the should be either Length, MENU/SELECT Area, or Volume. button 30 was pushed. Lower Numeric Display Region 52: Whatever was in display before the MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the current mode flashing. 3 Repeatedly press Menu options will Upper Numeric SCROLL (L or R) continue to be displayed Display Region 48: button 26 or 28 until on the screen and each Whatever was in the Memory time the SCROLL (L or R) display before the Retrieve Icon is button 26 or 28 is pushed, MENU/SELECT flashing. the highlighting will move button 30 was pushed. to the next Icon in line. Lower Numeric User may continue to Display Region 52: toggle through the choices Whatever was in until reaching the Memory display before the Retrieve Icon. MENU/SELECT button 30 was pushed. Periphery: Icon for Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Store, and Memory Retrieve*** will be visible with the Memory Retrieve Icon flashing. 4 Press Menu choice of Memory Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT Retrieve has been selected. Display Region 48: button 30. Once the user has selected Nothing that they want to go to Lower Numeric memory retrieve, they Display Region 52: need to determine what The display shows the memory location they value stored in the want to retrieve their value memory location that is from. There are five flashing. locations (1-5). The tool Periphery: will default to the first Icon for Memory occupied memory location Retrieve and any by flashing the memory memory locations (1, 2, location number and the 3, 4, 5) that have a corresponding value value will be displayed on the Lower highlighted. The lowest Numeric Display Region numbered memory 52. The user may then location will be accept this location by flashing when the user pushing the first enters this mode. MENU/SELECT button 30 or scroll to another of the memory locations by pushing the SCROLL (L or R) button 26 or 28. 5 Press the This will take the end user Upper Numeric MENU/SELECT back to the mode he/she Display Region 48: button 30. was in before they got into Whatever was in the Memory Recall mode. display before the The Lower Numeric MENU/SELECT Display Region 52 will button 30 was pushed. show the addition of the Lower Numeric previous value and what Display Region 52: was in memory. Sum of the previous value and what was in memory. Periphery: Whatever was in display before going into the memory recall mode. Footnotes: *Unit may be programmed to automatically shutdown 30 seconds after last input (button actuation). **None of the functions listed can be performed until unit is powered on. ***When getting into Menu/Select Mode to select Length, Area, Volume, Units, Memory Storage, and Memory Retrieve, the Memory Retrieve Icon may be programmed not to light up unless there are stored values in memory.

Due to the simplicity of the logic programmed into the processor 21 and the minimal number of buttons that are used in the electronic tape measure 20, multiple functions may be performed using the electronic tape measure, without the need for cumbersome numerous small buttons on the device. In addition, due to the retractable nature of the belt clip 36, and the small number of buttons, a belt clip may be provided on the front of the device without interfering with operation of the buttons 24-34.

Since the belt clip member 36 is retractable, it may be located on the front of the device 20 without interference with operation of the device 20.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, the teachings of this disclosure are applicable to many types of handheld devices in addition to length measuring devices, such as, for example, laser levels, and stud sensors. 

1. An electronic measuring device, comprising: a transceiver device; a microprocessor operatively connected to the transceiver device; and a memory, an electronic output device, and a plurality of input mechanisms, all of which are operatively connected to the microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to take and manipulate measurements using a menu-driven procedure by using the input mechanisms to select and activate desired operations.
 2. The electronic measuring device of claim 1, wherein the input mechanisms include a read button, at least one scroll button, and a menu/select button.
 3. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the read button is a combined power/read button.
 4. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to take distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations.
 5. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, further including a +/= button, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add length measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, the read button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations.
 6. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to determine an area based on distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations.
 7. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, further including a +/= button, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add area measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, the read button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations.
 8. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to determine a volume based on distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations.
 9. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, further including a +/= button, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add volume measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, the read button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations.
 10. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to change units of measure using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button and the scroll button to select and activate desired operations.
 11. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to save a measured value in the memory using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button and the scroll button to select and activate desired operations.
 12. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to view a measured value that has been saved in the memory using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button and the scroll button to select and activate desired operations.
 13. The electronic measuring device of claim 2, further including a +/= button, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add measured value that has been saved in the memory to additional measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations.
 14. An electronic measuring device, comprising: a transceiver device; a microprocessor operatively connected to the transceiver device; and a memory, an electronic output device, input mechanisms, all of which are operatively connected to the microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to take and manipulate measurements made by the transceiver device using a menu-driven procedure by using the input mechanisms to select and activate desired operations; wherein the input mechanisms include a read button, at least one scroll button, a +/= button, and a menu/select button; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to take distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add length measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, the read button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to determine an area based on distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add area measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, the read button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to determine a volume based on distance measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the read button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add volume measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, the read button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to change units of measure using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button and the scroll button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to save a measured value in the memory using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button and the scroll button to select and activate desired operations; wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to view a measured value that has been saved in the memory using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button and the scroll button to select and activate desired operations; and wherein the microprocessor is programmed with logic that allows a user of the device to add measured value that has been saved in the memory to additional measurements using a menu-driven procedure solely by using the menu/select button, the scroll button, and the +/= button to select and activate desired operations.
 15. The electronic measuring device of claim 14, wherein the transceiver device is a sonic transceiver.
 16. A method of taking a measurement using an electronic measuring device that includes a read button, at least one scroll button, and a menu/select button as input mechanisms that are operatively connected to a microprocessor that is also operatively connected to a display device, the method comprising: pressing the menu/select button; pressing the scroll button until an indication is provided on the display device corresponding to a desired measurement to be taken; and pressing the read button.
 17. The method of claim 16, further including pressing the menu/select button to select the desired measurement after pressing the scroll button and prior to pressing the read button.
 18. A method of manipulating measurements using an electronic measuring device that includes a read button, at least one scroll button, and a menu/select button as input mechanisms that are operatively connected to a microprocessor that is also operatively connected to a display device, the method comprising: pressing the menu/select button; pressing the scroll button until an indication is provided on the display device corresponding to a desired measurement manipulation to be performed; and pressing the read button.
 19. The method of claim 18, further including pressing the menu/select button to select the desired measurement after pressing the scroll button and prior to pressing the read button. 